Field deployment of a LIBS probe for rapid delineation of metals in soils

A fiber optic probe for use in the in situ delineation of subsurface metal contamination is described. The probe is based on the technique of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and is designed for deployment via a standard cone penetrometer truck. Initial measurements of the detection limits of the probe on Pb and Cr contaminated sands are in the low ppm range.